Production Manager

This is a Freelance Job

Job Title: Production Manager
Location: San Diego
Type: Contract, Seasonal
Reports To: Event Lead

Position Overview
We're seeking a skilled and adaptable Production Manager to support the planning and execution of a major festival in summer 2026. This contract role is ideal for someone with hands-on experience in live events, festivals, or large-scale community gatherings, and who enjoys working in vibrant, diverse cultural environments.

You'll collaborate closely with the Event Producer, organization Staff, and event volunteer leadership to advance production elements, coordinate vendors, create and manage documentation, and support on-site festival operations during event weekend.

Key Responsibilities

Planning Season (January - July)
Support advancement of production timelines, layouts, permitting, and run-of-show documents
Manage vendor outreach, quotes, contracting, and scheduling (A/V, staging, power, sanitation, barricades, F&B infrastructure, décor, etc.)
Along with other CGE staff, coordinate with city agencies, permitting offices, and public safety contacts
Track budgets and expenses, helping to keep the event within financial targets
Assist with development of site maps, signage plans, back-of-house layouts, and accessibility accommodations
Attend planning calls, walkthroughs, and team meetings
Ensure safety plans, emergency procedures, and ADA requirements are followed
Support backstage, hospitality, and stage operations as assigned
Maintain smooth event operations with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach

Event Weekend (July)
Serve as a primary on-site production lead and representative of CG Events throughout the on-site lifecycle
Act as point-of-contact for vendors, partners, and various stakeholders
Keep production schedules on track and uphold event standards
Assist in post-event strike and operational wrap-up

Qualifications
3-5+ years of experience in festival production, live events, or community event operations
Strong understanding of event logistics, permitting, vendor management, and site operations
Experience creating or interpreting production documents (site maps, schedules, tech riders, ROS)
Excellent communication skills and comfort leading teams under pressure
Ability to work long days during load-in, event days, and strike
Collaborative, organized, resourceful, and calm during fast-paced situations

To Apply
Please send a short email with your resume and a few sentences about why you're a great fit for this role to jobs@cgevents.co.

We believe that bringing together people from diverse backgrounds makes our work stronger, and we encourage applications from people of all races, genders, sexualities, and abilities.